The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1887-07-13
NOTES ON MILKING.
Always Milk in the Same Order and 1
Kind to tho Cows

Always MIX In the Same Order and IL
Kind to tho Cows.
Drawing the milk from the COW is al
everyday job-we might say, twice
a-day job. The operation looks simple
enough, and is quite easy for one wht
understands it. None others should
ever milk COW, for it is inportan
that the milking should be done right
ly, rapidly and without hurting the
COW or producing any sense of uneasi
ness. Many good mixers could moi
tell you, if asked, how they milk. They
DO it from habit acquired by early and
long practice, and without thought as
to how they do it. But a good mixer
opens his hand and grasps portion OF
the udder. pressing the milk down
into the teat. and when his thumb
and forefnger come to where the
teat begins, they are tightly
clasped, SO as to prevent a return Of
the milk to the udder Then quickly
follow the second, third and fourth
fingers, each pressing the milk down.
ward. until the whole hand is closed
and the milk is expelled. This is the
proper way to grasp and squeeze the
teat. Some milk with the thumb and
finger, stripping the milk out by let
ting the teat draw through between
them. This may be done with easy.
milking, short-teated COWS, but is by
no means method to be commended.
1t pulls too much on the teat, and is
liable to hurt a sensitive COW. There
no need of pulling the teat at all, as
many do. the gentle, rubbing pressure
at first made on the udder being suffi.
cient to fill the teat, which should be
emptied by a gentle squeeze, as
just described. This does not
hurt the COW, unless the nails
may be driven into the skin
which. should by all means be avoided
or the teat is sore in which case it
should be carefully moistened and lin
bered with ointment before beginning
to milk. A good, careful, kind, rapid
and thorough mixer is valuable
hand in dairyman's service. AL.
ways milk in the same order. Let the
same mixer milk the same COW, fol.
lowing up in. the same order every day.
The habit of expectancy on the part OF
the cow is thus soon established, and
she is ready for the mixer when he
comes to her, and is not disappointed.
This regularity assures quiet satisfac-
ton, and the largest flow of milk. Any
change of mixers or break in the order
will be found to lessen the weld. so
readily does the COW fall into habit
The hour for milking should always be
the same.
Be kind to the cow. She is by nat
IRE very gentle and docile animal
and we might add, an affectionate
one. She soon learns to like those
who treat her kindly and care for her.
One Is inclined to bestow upon her
mixer the love she would have no.
slowed upon her calf, had it been per.
mitted to run with her. It is neces.
sary that he should gain her conf.
aence' at least, that she may not stand
IN lear OF him. Some one has said.
Speak to COW as you would to
lady," Certainly she should be kind.
~ spoken to, and treated in way to
make her glad to see her mixer when
he presents himself. Then she will at
once "hoist" commence chewing her
cud, and with dreamy look of enjoy.
ment in her eyes, pour out the lactea
treasure at your touch. prairie |
Farmer.